Every Wednesday, I feature a writer and his/her workspace. My aim is to get to know fellow writers better through their workspace and writing habits, and have them share some of their writing wisdom here.

Welcome, Brinda!

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do for a living? What genre do you love to write? What are some of your hobbies or interests? Do you have a hidden talent?

YA Author Brinda Berry

I’m a YA and adult commercial fiction writer. I live with my husband and two extremely cute and energetic cairn terriers. My brainiac son lives away from home and attends college. I work in higher education focusing on professional development and web-related projects. Hidden talent? I can give myself a mean French manicure but rarely have time for such luxuries. I also make great peanut butter fudge, but again…there is no time for that either. I spend all my free time writing novels, blog posts, or social media conversations.

One of Brinda’s adorable cairn terriers

On Workspace

1. Where do you do most of your writing?

I can usually be found in my office at home. I do enjoy the occasional Starbucks writing session.

Brinda’s workspace

2. Where did you get your desk? How did you go about arranging your work area?

I have an inexpensive desk that came from a box. You know the kind—you put it together with a screwdriver and directions that are straight from Hades. My dream desk is waiting at Pottery Barn. Someday, I’ll march down to that store and bring it to my space. For now, I have to arrange everything carefully on the fake wood desk.

Brinda’s portable cart

3. What are some important things on your desk? Are there specific things you need to have around you as you work?

I love having my iPad and laptop handy. Sometimes, I’ll use both. I have Evernote and Dropbox installed on both so it’s easy to work between the two. I always have post-it notes as well as a notepad. Crazy, I know.

Brinda’s supplies: lots of Post its!

4. What’s your writing beverage? What do you love to drink while you’re writing?

I drink lots of coffee. If I know I’m sitting down for a lengthy writing session, I immediately make a full pot of coffee.

On Writing

1. Who is your favorite author? Who inspired you to write?

I have too many favorites, and my list evolves as I find new ones. This year, my favorite YA author is John Green. I’ve been inspired by all the books that made me (1) wish to be a character, (2) learn about a new place, and (3) wonder about what the characters did AFTER.

2. What’s your typical day as a writer like? Do you have any writing related rituals or quirks?

I typically write my novels on the most on weekends. With a full-time job, I spend more time during the week on social media and blogging. So, a typical Saturday is to wake at 5:00 am and begin writing by 6:00 am. I’ll take breaks throughout the day, but I can knock out a lot if I don’t need to leave for any reason. I’ll treat it like a day at the job.

3. Why do you write?

I think I write for the same reason as most writers. I have these stories in my head that I’d like to share. I’d also like to think that a reader might connect with a character or story. If it’s only entertainment, that’s fine. I love reading for the pure joy of it. On the other hand, I’d like to make a difference with a novel I write someday.

4. Any writing tips or techniques or words of wisdom you want to share with us? How about a favorite writing quote?

I’m a Stephen King fan, so I’ll share one of his:

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.”
~ Stephen King

Your office picture made me look at my space and cringe. Your’s is so neat. I have a lot of space and a lovely solid pine desk that has traveled all over the country with me–I can seat 4 for dinner on it. But oh my, the office needs some major work, and a maid right now.

Hi Brinda, very cool learning more about your working environment. Someday Pottery Barn will be delivering, but just think how wonderful that desk-out-of-a-box has been to you! It’s where you’ve written at least two amazing books!

Great quote from Stephen King. Only he could make it so plain. LOVE your post-it-note holder, and your favorite writing beverage 😀 Thanks, Nutschell and Brinda, for sharing this writer’s space with me.

Hi Writing Nut,
Too many young people are packing up their instruments because they perceive that musical pursuits are in conflict with more legitimate career pursuits, or otherwise losing sight of their musical dreams. Too many beautiful songs will not get written! Please help me try to change that:

Please blog about the most meaningful musical experience you’ve had in your life; an event, song, album, band or concert perhaps. Maybe it was music of your own creation. Anything in the realm of music which changed you or inspired you or was very special in some way: Your own proof that music is a positive and vital part of the human experience.

Please include the following links in your post so that your readers may also have the opportunity to participate!

I really enjoyed this and, Brinda, I am going to visit your blog in a minute. Two things that you wrote here (about what you love out of a good book) and Stephen King’s quote are both the way I feel and the advice that I take seriously.

I’m inspired by your writing routine, and glad you shared the details about your full time job. I often wonder how other writers manage to balance “real jobs” with writing on the side. For me, it is always a challenge to squeeze in writing time while working a bit less than full time and taking care of two kids. Looking forward to more writing weekends when they go to college.